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Kushner trial ends in settlement with N.J. condo owners

The end of the lawsuit could mark the beginning of more discussions between the developer and Landings at Harborside residents who claimed Jared Kushner failed to deliver on the $600 million upscale development.

Kushner trial ends in settlement with N.J. condo owners

In this artist's rendering from April 2007, the Landings at Harborside were expected to include about 2,200 townhomes and mid-rise luxury condominiums on a 49-acre site in Perth Amboy, N.J. As of 2017, two residential buildings with about 165 units, the Admiral and Bayview, had been built.(Photo11: Kushner Cos.)

PERTH AMBOY, N.J. — A jury of six women and two men was dismissed Tuesday after a judge announced that a settlement had been reached between the company that President Trump's son-in-law used to own and the remaining two condominium residents who had filed a consumer-fraud lawsuit against the real-estate holding company.

But the lawyer representing Kushner Cos. indicated that the end of the lawsuit could mark the beginning of more discussions between the developer and two Landings at Harborside residents who claimed Jared Kushner failed to deliver on the planned $600 million upscale development along the Arthur Kill waterfront here with views of Staten Island Sound and Raritan Bay.

Resident Lauren Hunter said the process should start with plans to keep the property neat by cleaning up the garbage.

"And that's to the benefit of everyone — the developer, the residents, the plaintiffs and the city," said Patrick Whalen, a Trenton-based lawyer who represented the condo owners.

The settlement means that Charles Kushner, the former chairman of Kushner Cos., will not have to testify about the Landings project. Kushner's son, Jared Kushner,had previously been excused from having to testify in the case. Jared Kushner, now a senior adviser to Trump, previously ran the company.

Attorney Patrick Perrone, who represents Kushner Cos., said a confidential settlement was reached late Friday with Neil and Lauren Hunter. The Hunters were among 32 condo owners who filed suit against the company. They were the last to settle.

“There are no winners; we're satisfied. In the back of my mind, I guess I will always wonder what would have happened if it had gone to the jury.”

Neil Hunter, Perth Amboy, N.J.

"It's a relief. It was stressful and we're glad that's it's over. There are no winners; we're satisfied," Neil Hunter said. "In the back of my mind, I guess I will always wonder what would have happened if it had gone to the jury."

His wife said the plaintiffs all had different life circumstances that resulted in their settlements. She said that a mistrial the first time the case went to court and starting over before Judge Vincent LeBlon of Middlesex County Superior Court also had an effect.

The Hunters have been living at the Landings for 10 years and dealing with the lawsuit for the past four.

Late last week, settlements were reached with Christine Dispenziere and Rao and Vasundlara Desu. Owners of three condos in the Bayview building remain in arbitration. Settlements also have been reached with subcontractors on the project.

After the judge dismissed the jury, Perrone asked the Hunters if they could work with Kushner Cos.

"We would love to," said Lauren Hunter, who would especially like to see the crowded parking issue addressed. Residents initially were promised underground parking that became too expensive to build.

If more units are built, additional parking will be needed. A parking garage was mentioned as a possible solution.

"The mayor (Wilda Diaz) wants to make the waterfront a destination, but there is just not adequate parking," Neil Hunter said.

Perrone indicated he would be willing to come to Perth Amboy to visit Landings residents, listen to their concerns and meet with city officials to get something built.

Jared Kushner, right, White House senior adviser, walks with his wife, Ivanka Trump, toward Marine One on Feb. 17, 2017, while departing from the White House to South Carolina to visit the Boeing plant.(Photo11: Mark Wilson, Getty Images)

City officials previously rejected plans for construction of apartments on the property, in part because existing construction issues at the Admiral and Bayview buildings, including water seeping in, had not been fully addressed.

Only two buildings, the Admiral and the Bayview, exist on the site originally planned to have 2,100 housing units, a new marina, walking esplanade, restaurants and retail shops, parks, ferry service to New York City and other luxury amenities. The two buildings house about 165 units.

"We are eager to move ahead with the redevelopment of our property in Perth Amboy. Our existing plan would create a revitalized waterfront, spur investment and increase the local tax base. We're hopeful the town will work with us to make that plan a reality to the benefit of all Perth Amboy residents," said James Yolles, a Kushner Cos. spokesman.

Whalen said a lot remains to be done, and he plans to stay involved with the group.

"We're willing to sit down with the developer and the city and make sure it comes out nice," Whalen said. "We're not going to just talk. It's going to be meaningful stuff that reflects something of what they promised. Let's get as close to that as possible. We are optimistic if they want to work together."